Scott Sends Mixed Messages Over Race-Based Education Goals

Governor Rick Scott says there should be high education standards for everyone. But he remains mum on whether education officials should stick with plan that sets education goals based on race and ethnicity.

On Tuesday, Governor Scott sent out a statement seeming to suggest he disagreed with state education officials over a five-year plan that outlines different learning expectations for for students.

In the statement, Scott said, "the actions taken last week by the State Board of Education in adopting their strategic plan did not clearly articulate our shared commitment to fully close that achievement gap for all students, regardless of race, geography, gender or other circumstance."

The Governor went on to say that the board should, "more completely incorporate this recognition into its strategic plan so that we can focus our efforts on helping every student to achieve the highest level of success.”

But when questioned on his position Thursday, Scott shied away from completely rejecting the plan:

“What I want the board of education to do is exactly what I’m doing. Focusing on making sure every child is proficient in the areas we care about.”

The Governor’s comments come after an education advocacy group wrote a letter to the Federal government requesting a review of the state’s plan. Critics say setting goals by race is discriminatory. But proponents of the move say the state is demanding more from the students who are furthest behind.

About 28 other states have adopted a similar plan to closing the achievement gap as part of waivers to the federal No Child Left Behind Law.

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The Florida Board of Education’s five-year plan sets academic goals for students based on race and ethnicity. The move has drawn criticism from education stakeholders across the state and the country. Now Governor Rick Scott has entered the fray by suggesting that the board change its plan.

The Florida Board of Education’s five-year plan sets academic goals for students based on race and ethnicity, and the move has drawn criticism from education stakeholders across the state.

“Florida needs a strategic vision for our schools that puts public education first. Students, parents and educators deserve a plan centered around Florida’s constitutional guarantee of a high-quality system of free public schools, and not just another attempt to privatize fundamental responsibilities,” said state House minority leader Perry Thurston.

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